Back Pain Specialist

What causes back pain?

Acute back pain can develop due to muscle strains or sprains and usually resolves with home care within one to two weeks.

Chronic back pain can result from direct injury to the spine or because of an underlying medical condition. Some of the most common causes of chronic back pain include:

• Fractures
• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Slipped disc
• Spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebral bone over another)
• Protruding or degenerated discs (the cartilaginous “cushions” between vertebrae)
• Radiculopathy
• Sciatica
• Bulging Disc
• Osteoporosis 
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spondylolysis

You can also experience chronic back pain as the result of a synovial cyst — a fluid-filled sac that develops on the spine due to degeneration in the vertebral facet joints. This type of cyst most often develops in the lumbar or lower spine.

How is back pain diagnosed?

During your evaluation, your provider reviews your personal and family medical history to identify any existing or hereditary conditions that may contribute to your back pain. They also perform a physical exam, checking your back for swelling and other visible symptoms.

To better understand the cause of your pain, your provider may order imaging tests, like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, that allow them to see the structures of your spine, like your spinal cord, muscles, nerves, and discs. This allows your provider to identify any narrowing (spinal stenosis) or areas of nerve compression. In some instances, your provider may also suggest blood testing, bone scans, or nerve studies to help identify the cause of your back pain. 

Once they diagnose the cause of your pain, your provider makes a treatment plan that focuses on relieving pain and improving your mobility.

What treatments are available for chronic back pain?

If you have chronic pain from a herniated disc or radiculopathy, your Illinois Spine and Scoliosis Center provider may first recommend medications to manage pain and physical therapy to strengthen your back.

Techniques your provider may use include:

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty uses medical-grade cement to stabilize the spine and treat fractures caused by osteoporosis or direct trauma.

Decompression surgery

Decompression surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques to remove bone spurs and thickened ligaments in your back to reduce pressure on the nearby nerves that are usually caused by a herniated disc or natural degenerative changes that cause spinal stenosis. 

Decompression surgeries can include procedures like a laminectomy and discectomy.

Spinal fusion surgery

Spinal fusion surgery involves joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize and support the spine after an injury, treat degenerative spine disease, or address another spinal disorder.

For synovial cysts, spinal stenosis, fractures, or a herniated disc, surgery may be necessary if the existing damage and pain are severe. Your provider uses minimally invasive techniques to remove cysts or damaged areas of your spine to alleviate pressure on your nerves.

If you have chronic back pain and can’t find relief with conservative treatments, schedule a consultation at Illinois Spine and Scoliosis Center. You can call the office or request an appointment online today.